Guwahati; July 30: The Assam Association of New Delhi and Trend MMS, an entertainment firm, with support from the Union ministry of culture, will highlight Srimanta Sankardev’s life and stage Madhabdev’s Chordhora Jhumura in New Delhi’s Kamini auditorium on September 13.

Chordhora Jhumura, a dance drama, is a unique creation of Madhabdev, the prime disciple of Sankardev. It reminisces the West’s Broadway and represents the creations of Sankardev, like Xattriya dance and songs.

“The endeavour is to present the rich culture of Assam that started in the 15th century to the people of the country and open up an opportunity for all to understand the philosophy of Mahapurush Sankardev and his creative genius so that it can act as a unifying chord,” said Shyam Kanu Mahanta, an organiser.

The event will start with highlighting the diverse facets of life and teachings of Sankardev and his cultural genius through a presentation scripted by Xattriya exponent Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta, which will be followed by the hourlong Chordhora Jhumura.

Nirupoma Mahanta will direct the dance drama, assisted by Bidyabati Phukon and Adil Hussain. The National School of Drama (NSD) is providing technical support to organise the drama.

The organisers said the universal appeal of Sankardev has great relevance even today at a time when the country is facing fragmentation on all fronts. His teachings and their lucidity could build a bridge amongst all ethnic groups in Assam as well as his emphasis on the country could act as the aligning force to bring Assam and the Northeast closer to mainstream India.

“The main purpose of the programme is to make people residing in the national capital aware of the great teachings and rich cultural heritage of Assam initiated way back, build a bridge in terms of cultural integration with people from other parts of the country, showcase the universal teachings of Sankardev to forge a sense of brotherhood among various groups and present the rich culture of Assam and the cultural uniqueness of the state for better understanding of the Northeast,” Mahanta said.

The organisers said besides leading dance exponents, drama critics, bureaucrats and leading citizens of Delhi, Union human resource minister Kapil Sibal, Union culture minister Kumari Selja, Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi and DoNER minister Pabansingh Ghatowar will attend the programme.

“Attempts would be made to sustain the effort through effective coordination with the Union culture ministry to ensure more focus on Xattriya dance as well as ankia bhaona, jhumura and other elements of Xattriya culture to carry forward the legacy of Sankardev,” Mahanta added.